Why Summer Can be Dangerous for Domestic Violence Survivors and How SAFE is Here to Help

Summer is a beautiful time of warm weather, vacations, and freedom but for many survivors of domestic violence it is a time for increased danger, isolation, and silence. At SAFE (Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment), we know this season well — and not just for its long days or humid Louisiana heat. We see a spike in domestic violence incidents across our service area Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes. At SAFE, we want you to know: you are not alone. And you don’t have to choose between staying and suffering.

🧠 Understanding the Summer Risk

As advocates trained in trauma-informed care, we see how the summer shift impacts survivors — especially women and children. With schools closed and social structures on hold, survivors may find themselves cut off from the very places that offer daily relief, emotional support, or a listening ear. These structures — like schools, workplaces, churches, and community programs — often serve as lifelines, offering both routine and connection to people who might recognize signs of abuse or provide help. Abuse thrives in isolation. And during summer, isolation often deepens.

Some contributing factors include:

• Children home full-time, which can increase the stress and unpredictability in an abusive home

• Fewer interactions with teachers, counselors, and co-workers — often the first to notice something’s wrong

• More surveillance and control by the abuser, especially when survivors aren’t working or attending outside appointments

• Increased financial pressure, especially for families already facing housing instability or poverty

Add in heat, tension, and unresolved trauma, and the risk rises significantly.

💜 How SAFE Responds — 24/7, All Summer Long

At SAFE, we don’t take summers off. We are always here to support.

Our team of trained advocates is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to offer compassionate, confidential crisis support. We listen without judgment, help you make a safety plan, and walk with you at your pace. Your safety, your voice, and your story matter every day.

Here’s how we help:

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline — A safe, judgment-free place to start. (985) 542-8384

• Emergency Shelter — When home is not safe, we provide one that is.

• Safety Planning — We meet you where you are, helping you plan next steps that protect your wellbeing.

• Legal Advocacy — Court doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We offer support for protection orders and legal referrals.

• Support for Children & Teens — Healing services and activities for youth impacted by domestic violence.

• Financial Empowerment — We help survivors rebuild stability and independence through access to resources and education.

We serve anyone experiencing domestic violence in Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes.

🌱 Empowerment Starts with Community

Every survivor deserves the chance to heal, grow, and thrive — not just survive. That’s what SAFE is here for. But it takes a community.

This summer, we need your support more than ever.

With shelter demand increasing, more families in crisis, and recent reductions in grant funding, your donation is more critical than ever. Every gift helps us continue providing emergency housing, meals, hygiene kits, gas cards, counseling sessions, and — most importantly — the priceless gift of safety.

✅ How You Can Help Right Now

1. Donate to Help us Continue Our Mission of Safety and Advocacy for Survivors

Your gift goes to helping SAFE care for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

🔗 Donate at www.safelouisiana.org/donate

2. Share our hotline and services

You never know who might need help — or who might be ready to make the call because you gave them the number: (985) 542-8384

3. Become a monthly donor or sponsor

Ongoing support helps us plan for the future and serve more families with dignity and consistency.

📣 You Are Not Alone. You Are Worth Safety. You Are Worth Healing.

Summer doesn’t have to be a season of survival. With the right support, it can be a season of transformation.

Whether you're seeking help, offering hope, or looking to stand beside survivors — you belong here with SAFE. We believe in your voice, your strength, and your future.

Need help? Call us at (985) 542-8384.

Want to give hope? Donate now at www.safelouisiana.org

Together, we’re creating a community where survivors don’t live in fear — they rise.